elvis

Hi,

My other son went to boot his laptop up after shutting down and got the following message:

[i]windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
<Windows Root>\system32\hal.dll.
please reinstall a copy of the above file

We have not got a copy of xp because again his laptop came preinstalled, what can I do?

Many thanks.

Madcatz

you should be able to order recovery discs from the laptops manufacturer and use those to recovery the unit. but most likely that will delete all of the user data. but as long as the partition is still intact, you could hook the drive up to another computer and backup the data.

it is sometimes possible to replace the file, but you would need a windows xp install disc, and only somethign I would recommed an experienced person to do.

TriggerFinger

if you do not have an XP install CD, then you can do recovery by using the one that came with the laptop.. try the recovery partition. refer to this document... Laptop Recovery Instructions

the downside of NOT having an XP install CD is that you cannot do a repair. what you can do is just restore which as what Madcatz has said, will delete the user data in the process.

elvis

Tried the F11 key, but that is not working Where do I go from here?

TriggerFinger

what is your brand/model of laptop? F11 should be pressed when logo appears during boot.

elvis

Its a Packardbell easy note L4. I pressed F11 when the logo appears but it asks which to boot from either MDOS or windows xp home. So I do nothing and the error at start of post appears or if I press enter on xp I get the same error message.

TriggerFinger

try tapping F11 when Packard Bell logo appears. if it does not help, refer to this:
http://support.packardbell.com/uk/it...ube_ixtremeduo

or order the recover CD form Packard Bell.